A Lasting Tribute to Legacy and Service: Upsilon Sigma Phi Honors the Roxas Family

by Cai Monteser '17 with Ricky Rionda '83

October 21, 2024 | Roxas City, Capiz

In a heartfelt celebration of legacy, service, and community, the Upsilon Sigma Phi (USP) and the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAA), in collaboration with USP Batch 1983, presented an initiative to honor two distinguished figures in Philippine history: Fellows Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas Sr. ‘46 and Gerardo “Dinggoy” Roxas Jr. ’83. The event, titled Pamilya Roxas: “Henerasyon nga Serbisyo, Bug-os Kabuhi nga Panubli-on”, marked a significant moment for both the fraternity and the Roxas family. It was held in Plantanan, Premier de Mayo, Roxas City, Capiz, on October 21, 2024. The event also coincided with brod Dinggoy’s birthday, he would have turned 64 on October 21.

About thirty Upsilonians from all over the country, including brods who attended the recently concluded Bangkaw sa Mindanao reunion in Cagayan de Oro City, joined the event. Five members of Batch ’83 – Charlie Gatmaitan, Wilfred Laranas, Mike Liamzon, No-ne Rivera and Gigoy Tayao were present. BI Commissioner Joel Viado ’83, who was Rep. Dinggoy’s legislative staff officer when he was in Congress, also joined with a video tribute to his late batchmate.

The Evolution of a Project

What started as a planned visit by USP Batch 1983 to Roxas City to present a plaque of recognition to the Roxas Family for Dinggoy’s achievements and impact on his hometown, and as part of Batch 1983’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2023, the initiative has evolved into a much bigger project. With seed money of PH100k from batch ’83 and additional funding of PH300k from Capiz-based Upsilonians through the efforts of brods Blas Viterbo ’91 and Joey Tan ’93, and a PH100k donation from USPAA Chairman Roel Castro ’84, the initial funding for the project totaled PH500k. Another PH500k was pledged by the Roxas family through Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas and former Senator Mar Roxas. USP Batch ’83 endeavors to see the project through with additional fund raising from it’s members, and the USP alumni.

A more extensive project was developed with busts and commemorative plaques in honor of the late senator and the late congressman. With the help of brods Joey Tan ’93 and architect Mikko Yap ’95, designs were created for a park with walkways, a circular bench and a solar-powered water fountain which will be incorporated as a planned extension of the Roxas City Museum.

These monuments hope to preserve the memory of Senator Gerry and Congressman Dinggoy, and hopefully stand as symbols of their dedication to nation-building and commitment to public service.

A Day of Honor and Reflection

The day’s events began with a warm breakfast at Plantanan, where guests and fraternity members gathered for fellowship and the celebration ahead. Joey Tan ’93 called the assembly to order, followed by an opening prayer led by No-ne Rivera ’83.

Joey Tan ‘93 officially welcomed the guests and offered heartfelt recognition to those in attendance, setting a respectful and celebratory tone. The event brought together fraternity brothers, local leaders, and family members to honor the Roxas family’s significant role in shaping the country’s political and civic landscape.

Project Presentation and Legacy Reflection

Charlie Gatmaitan ’83 provided the background of the project, sharing how the fraternity came together with the Roxas family to bring this dream to life. The park will symbolize not just the accomplishments of these two leaders but the core values they represented: public service, humility, and a deep sense of duty to the Filipino people.

Mikko Yap ‘95, representing Upsilon Sigma Phi’s younger generation, formally presented the project, highlighting the symbolic importance of the fountain and the walkways that reflect the continuous journey of service. Artist Priscil-liano Vicaldo Jr. (UP Fine Arts graduate and trained under Napoleon Abueva and Jose Joya) followed with a presentation of the clay models of the busts, capturing the spirit and strength of both Gerry Sr. and Dinggoy Roxas.

Messages from esteemed Fellows further emphasized the significance of the project. Robert Aranton ’81, Roel Castro ’84, and other Fellows shared reflections on the enduring values of the Roxas family and how these resonate within the brotherhood and the broader community. The project is not just a monument but a living testament to the core ideals of Upsilon Sigma Phi: honor, excellence, and service to the nation.

A Celebration of Life, Legacy, and Brotherhood

Adding to the emotional gravity of the day, Fellow Gigoy Tayao ’83 led the fraternity in singing the Upsilon Sigma Phi song “When You’re Away”, composed by Dick Zamora ’49. Together with his batchmates and the assembled brods, the powerful rendition of the song filled the atmosphere with a deep sense of fraternity and shared history, echoing the bonds that tie every Upsilonian across generations.

This touching tribute through music added an emotional layer to the day’s celebration, symbolizing both the strength and continuity of the brotherhood, even as it pays tribute to the legacies of two of its most respected figures.

Moving Forward: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

Honorable Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, alongside Paolo Roxas, nephew of Dinggoy Roxas and son of former senator Mar Roxas, expressed their gratitude for the fraternity’s initiative. Paolo Roxas, who is running for his late uncle's old congressional seat, poignantly reflected on how his uncle’s memory continues to inspire younger generations of Capiznons, while Mayor Dadivas underscored the Roxas family’s impact on the development of Capiz and the nation.

The morning's activities concluded with a closing message from Mike Liamzon ’83, reaffirming the fraternity’s commitment to continuing the legacy of the Roxas family.

After the formal ceremonies, the guests traveled to the House on the Rock (designed by Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa) in Brgy. Barra for a luncheon hosted by brod Blas Viterbo ‘91. The day ended with a sense of unity, purpose, and pride, as fraternity members and guests looked forward to the construction of the park and its eventual unveiling.

This proposed park will not only stand as a monument to the Roxas Family for their valuable contributions to the Filipino nation but will also serve as an enduring reminder of the fraternity’s commitment to upholding the values of service, leadership, and fraternity for generations to come.

Links to Related Articles in the Upsilon Sun

A Life Too Brief, a Legacy Eternal: Gerardo "Dinggoy" Araneta Roxas Jr.

Remembering Gerardo "Dinggoy" Araneta Roxas Jr. '83 on His 30th Death Anniversary

Remembering Dinggoy Roxas, Gemmo Trinidad